From Egyptian hieroglyphics to stories on

From Egyptian
hieroglyphics
to stories on

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the history and evolution of written storytelling has profoundly shaped history. Stories have created language, established culture and inspired thinking. From crude cave drawings to pithy thoughts on Twitter, we recognize that when you assess the Ancient Greeks, Shakespeare and the Bible there really are no new stories under the sun.

There are only new storytellers

reimagining, reinterpreting and retelling

the human experience in inspiring, entertaining and profound ways.

In the spirit of independence, we started off publishing our own books. As we grow, we are passionate about collaborating with artists whose unique voices are captured in the weight of the work they create - books, poetry, short stories, screenplays, stage plays, songs and nonfiction. Our goal is to champion creatives and cultivate interdependent communities.

“I have my books and poetry to protect me.”

— “I am a Rock”, Simon & Garfunkel

Publishing

The Adventures of Birpus & Bulbus

The Adventures of Birpus & Bulbus

The Adventures of Birpus & Bulbus

(
released in
releasing in
2023
)
Book One: The Sour Milk Dragon

Birpus & Bulbus is a new picture book series chronicling the whimsical adventures of two Tree Wee Brothers living in The Forest of Fine Repute. In The Sour Milk Dragon, Birpus and Bulbus discover how a small act of kindness transforms fear into friendship. Follow Birpus and Bulbus and their Grand Wees, Nester Nook and Granny Cranny, on a magical journey of acceptance, love and family.

Jesus + Seltzer

Jesus + Seltzer

Jesus + Seltzer

(
released in
releasing in
2022
)
Stories and Meditations on Sobriety and Recovery

The Weight of Ink is proud to present Jason Umidi's first book "Jesus + Seltzer", a collection of meditations and stories intended to inspire hope in both addicts and alcoholics in recovery as well as the sober curious.  Based on the author’s personal, raw and hopeful journey from decades of addiction to the freedom of sobriety, “Jesus + Seltzer” reflects on and celebrates the sober lifestyle in a pocket-sized, easy-to-read format for anyone, at any time, seeking a moment of encouragement.

The Boy Who Loved Boxes

The Boy Who Loved Boxes

The Boy Who Loved Boxes

(
released in
releasing in
2022
)
A Children’s Book for Adults

In this illustrative book for grownups, we meet our hero – The Boy who loves boxes.  He has a box for everything in his life and they make him happy.  But as we follow him into adulthood, he finds that life can be complicated… and messy.  Inspired by the global pandemic that changed our world, this modern day allegory explores the illusion of control and the pursuit of peace.  

Art by Todd Wilkerson
Words by Michael Albanese

Reach for the Stars

Reach for the Stars

Reach for the Stars

(
released in
releasing in
2018
)

How do we reach our dreams when they seem so far away? You reach your dreams by reaching for the stars. Every day: trust God, work hard and be patient.

Inspired by a real-life bedtime routine between a father and his daughters, this heartfelt tale chronicles a man and his family as they grow together through the generations. With vivid pictures and a touching story, Reach for the Stars captures the attention and hearts of young and old alike.  Meet Edward and his daughter Elizabeth as together they reach for the stars!

Written by Michael Albanese
Illustrated by Polina Hrytskova

Guardian of the Groceries

Guardian of the Groceries

Guardian of the Groceries

(
released in
releasing in
2020
)
It’s okay to be bored sometimes. That’s the perfect time to use your imagination.

Henry gets bored.  I mean, we all do.  One day, when his mother takes him the grocery store (the most boring place on earth!), Henry decides to use his imagination.  And what happens next is the most incredible adventure he’s ever been on!  Join Henry on this unexpected journey and you, too, might just be surprised by what you find.

Illustrated by Laura Kirkland
Written by Michael Albanese

www.guardianofthegroceries.com/

Jackhammer Lullaby

Jackhammer Lullaby

Jackhammer Lullaby

(
released in
releasing in
2022
)
Jackhammer Lullaby

Poems reflecting on brokenness and beauty. 

Make it Medium

Make it Medium

Make it Medium

(
released in
releasing in
2022
)
How to Dispel the Myth of Bigness While Finding the Sweet Spot in Life

Go big or go home.  That is the prevailing mantra for success in contemporary life and work.  However, there is Faustian story after story of those who trade something of priceless value for something else that proves to be worth… less.  How do we pursue our dreams while preserving our values?  Can we dream big while keeping our health, relationships and souls intact?  What if we could redefine success?  Perhaps “making it medium” might hold the key to creating success on your terms and living a life without regret.

“All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

— Leo Tolstoy